Network device and printer

ABSTRACT

Provided is a network device for generating print data in accordance with the information resources received from outside, and sending the print data to a printer, which can easily install or update a color conversion table or a printer driver, etc. necessary for generating the print data.  
     Whereby, the network device for generating print data in accordance with the information resources received from outside, and sending the print data to a printer is configured to be able to, by itself, access a prescribed site on the network at the prescribed time, such as when the printer is tuned on, and appropriately download a color conversion table or a printer driver, etc. in order to utilize it.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device comprising a functionfor generating print data in accordance with information resourcesreceived from outside, and specifically to a device such as a networkboard or printer capable of acquiring a color conversion table orprinter driver, etc. necessary for generating print data via thenetwork.

Description of the Related Art

[0002]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship of aconventional printer and host computer. FIG. 4A shows a case in which aprinter 102 is directly connected to a host computer 101 by a connectingcable 103. In this case, when documents or images from the host computer101 are printed, a printer driver 104 installed on the host computer 101generates print data from information resources to be printed(information of a format such as TXT (TeXT) , HTML (HyperText MarkupLanguage) or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)) , in a prescribedformat (a printer-compatible format, i.e. a format described byprinter-interpretable language (printer control language)) , and sendsthe print data to the printer 102. Thereafter, the printer 102interprets the received print data, and executes printing in accordancewith the requirement thereof. When the printer driver 104 generatesprint data, a color table 105 (color conversion table) necessary for thecolor conversion process, a font data 106 necessary for text dataprocess and so on is used.

[0003] The printer driver 104, color table 105 and font data 106, etc.used in printing are generally prepared for each model of printer togenerate printer-specific print data which is applicable to the printer102 in which printing is executed. Accordingly, in the case of FIG. 4A,when the printer 102 is first used, the printer driver 104, color table105 and font data 106, etc. for the printer 102 must be installed to thehost computer 101 from a CD 107, etc. which is provided with the printer102. The font data 106 which already existed in the host computer 101may be used, so that the installation thereof is omitted.

[0004] In the installation, the host computer 101 searches the printer102 for identification information via the connecting cable 103, and theprinter driver 104, etc. corresponding to identification informationsent back from the printer 102 is installed from the CD 107.

[0005] An example shown in FIG. 4B is a case in which a printer 202comprises a network board 208, and is connected to a network 203 such asa LAN (Local Area Network) . In this case, although it is possible torequest printing from a plurality of host computers 201 connected to thenetwork 203 to the printer 202, even in such case, the print dataspecific to the printer 202 is generated in each of the host computers201, so that each of the host computer 201 requires a printer driver204, color table 205 and font data 206, etc. for the printer 202.

[0006] The installation of these items is, as is the case in FIG. 4A,conducted by acquiring these items from a CD 207 or a prescribedlocation on the network 203 in accordance with the identificationinformation which is acquired from the printer 202.

[0007] In this manner, in the conventional printer, printing has alwaysbeen executed via a host computer, and print data applicable to aprinter has been generated in the host computer. Accordingly, a printerdriver, etc. specific to each model of printers has been prepared in thehost computer upon commencing use of the printer or updating the printerdriver, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] As the requirements of a printer are diversified due to thelatest rapid diffusion of the internet and the development of variouskinds of digital equipment connected to the internet, it is assumed thatthere is a case in which printing constantly via the host computer isnot efficient. For example, it is assumed that a case in which theprinted instruction is directly given from any device other than acomputer, such as mobile phone, will increase. Accordingly, hereafter, aprinter is desired that is capable of independently acquiringinformation resources to be printed from the network, generating printdata, and executing printing not via the host computer.

[0009] Such printer must comprise a printer driver, etc. toindependently generate print data. Therefore, as one method, a methodfor giving a function of the printer driver to a network device (e.g.network board or network box) controlling an interface function with thenetwork which is equipped in the printer, or used by being connected tothe printer is conceivable. In this case, there is a problem how theprinter driver, etc. which varies according to each model of printers tobe used, is easily installed on the network device to foster versatilityof the network device, and to make it applicable to various models ofprinters.

[0010] Moreover, as the printer driver, etc. is frequently updated, theupdating operation to a new version may occur at any time even afterinstalling the printer driver. Accordingly, it is desirable that theupdating operation can also be easily conducted.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a network devicefor providing an interface function with the network for a printer,wherein a color conversion table or printer driver, etc. necessary forgenerating print data or executing printing can be easily installed andupdated.

[0012] To achieve this object, one aspect of the present invention isthat a network device for generating print data in accordance withinformation resources received outside, and sending the print data to aprinter by itself accesses a prescribed site on the network at aprescribed time such as when it is tuned on, and appropriately downloadsand uses print related information such as the color conversion table orprinter driver, etc. Accordingly, in the present invention, as thenetwork device itself appropriately acquires the necessary print relatedinformation, it facilitates the installation and updating operation, sothat there is no inconvenience for an operator of the printer (networkdevice) or the host computer. Moreover, the network device comprisingsuch function can be easily applied to a different model of printers,and may thus be a versatile network device.

[0013] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is toprovide a printer comprising a function to generate print data inaccordance with information resources received outside, and to executeprinting, wherein a color conversion table or printer driver, etc.necessary for generating print data or executing printing can be easilyinstalled and updated.

[0014] To achieve this object, another aspect of the present inventionis that a printer for generating print data in accordance withinformation resources received outside, and executing printingindependently accesses a prescribed site on the network at a prescribedtime such as when it is turned on, and appropriately downloads and usesprint related information such as color conversion table or printerdriver. Consequently, according to the present invention, as a printeritself appropriately acquires necessary print related information, itfacilitates the installation or updating operation, and there is noinconvenience for an operator of the printer or the host computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the network related to Embodiment 1of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of anetwork board 2 related to Embodiment 1;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process according to aninitialization program 252 of Embodiment 1;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a relationship between theconventional printer and a host computer;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of anetwork board 2 related to the modified example of the presentinvention;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process conducted according to atransient information acquisition program;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another network related to Embodiment1;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a network related to Embodiment 2 ofthe present invention;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of aprinter 1 related to Embodiment 2;

[0024]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process conducted according to aninitialization program 252 of Embodiment 2;

[0025]FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of aprinter 1 related to the modified example of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] (Embodiment 1)

[0027] Hereafter, explained by referring to the drawings is Embodiment 1of the present invention. However, this Embodiment is not limited to thetechnical scope of the present invention. Concerning the drawings, thesame or similar drawings are explained by putting the same referencenumber or reference mark.

[0028]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network according to Embodiment 1of a printer utilizing the present invention. In the drawing, a printer1 is the printer utilizing the present invention, and a network board 2installed in the printer 1 is the network device according to thepresent invention. The printer 1 is connected to a LAN 3 and a network 5via the network board 2. The network 5 includes the internet as well asthe network of a home environment (e.g. a network, in which the homegateway is a server, and the printer is a client).

[0029] Here, in FIG. 1, although the network board 2 installed in theprinter is disclosed as a network device, the network device is notnecessarily limited to such configuration, but may be anotherconfiguration such as a network box, which is singly implementedindependently of the printer (see FIG. 7) .

[0030] Moreover, although only one is shown in the drawing, a number ofcontent distribution servers 9 which provide various kinds of content(information resources to be printed) are situated on the network 5.

[0031] Furthermore, a driver distribution server 8 for providing aprinter driver, etc. for the printer 1 is equipped. This driverdistribution server 8 is, for example, provided by each printermanufacturer, and prepares information necessary for generating printdata (hereinafter referred to as the “print related information”) foreach model of printer such as printer driver (for example, currentprinter driver) , color conversion table (color table) , font data orfont renderer.

[0032] If there exists a plurality of the driver distribution server 8,a location information distribution server 10 may be provided whichcomprises a function to compatibly memorize what print relatedinformation is stored on any of the driver distribution servers 8, andto send location information of the driver distribution server 8 whererequested print related information is stored, according to the inquiryfrom the network device.

[0033] The network board 2 according to Embodiment 1 comprises afunction for receiving print data sent from a host computer 4 such as apersonal computer connected to the LAN 3, and sending the print data tothe printer 1 as the printer 1 executes printing thereof in accordancewith the print data.

[0034] Moreover, the network board 2 also comprises a function foracquiring content to be printed from the content distribution server 9,generating print data in accordance with the content, and sending theprint data to the printer 1 as the printer 1 executes printing thereof.

[0035] The usage of these functions enables, for example, pursuant tothe instructions from a mobile phone 7 via the network 5, the networkboard 2 to acquire the instructed content from the prescribed contentdistribution server 9 to execute printing according to the content inthe printer 1, or to receive image data of a digital camera 6 connectedto the network 5 to print out in the printer 1. Furthermore, it alsoenables any prescribed information to be collected from a plurality ofthe content distribution server 9 pursuant to. the stored job, to printout in a prescribed layout every morning.

[0036] Furthermore, the content include image data, and text data aswell as intermediate data (e.g. band image data) generated in theprocess of generating the print data. For example, if the intermediatedata is sent from the host computer 4, or is acquired from the contentdistribution server 9 as content, the network board 2 may generate printdata in accordance with the intermediate data, and send the print datato the printer 1.

[0037] Embodiment 1 ensures the above matters by equipping the networkboard 2 with the function for acquiring information resources or thefunction for generating print data that had conventionally beenperformed by the host computer 4. Accordingly, the network board 2, forgenerating the print data, must be comprised of print relatedinformation necessary for generating print data such as printer driver,color table or font data which is applicable to the printer 1.

[0038] The network board 2 according to this Embodiment which comprisessuch configuration and functions as explained referring to FIG. 1 ischaracterized in that the network board 2 itself acquires the printerdriver, etc. for the printer 1 necessary for generating print data froma prescribed location on the network 5 (e.g. the driver distributionserver 8) at a prescribed time, and thereby, intends to reduce theoperation of installation or updating of the printer driver, etc.

[0039]FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an internal configuration of thenetwork device 2 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in the drawing, theprinter 1 consists of the network board 2, a controller 11 and an engine12, etc.

[0040] The network board 2, as described above, receives print data viathe network such as the LAN 3, or acquires information resources to beprinted to generate print data.

[0041] The controller 11, as in the case of the conventional device,receives print data, proceeds with a binary process thereunder, andsends a printing instruction in synchronization with the engine 12, andcontrols the engine 12. The engine 12 executes the actual printing inaccordance with the printing instruction.

[0042] The network board 2 comprises a network transceiving part 21whcih undertakes an interface function with the network such as the LAN3, and a printer transferring part 22 which is a part where the printdata received or generated by the network board 2 itself is sent to thecontroller 11.

[0043] In a flash ROM 25, various kinds of programs or data to executethe above functions that the network board 2 comprises, or print relatedinformation is stored, which is utilized in a CPU 23 and RAM 24 toactually proceed with various kinds of processes.

[0044] A content acquisition program 251 is a processing program foracquiring information resources to be printed as instructed from thehost computer 4 or mobile phone 7, etc., via the LAN 3 or the network 5,from a prescribed location (content distribution server 9). Asinformation resources, for example, information of a format such as TXT(TeXT), HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or JPEG (Joint PhotographicExperts Group) is considered.

[0045] A driver program 253 is a program to realize a function of theprinter driver. The driver program 253 judges whether the informationreceived in the network transceiving part 21 is the content or printdata. In the case of print data, the print data is directly sent to thecontroller 11, and otherwise, print data to be sent to the controller 11is generated in accordance with the content, upon which a color table254 and a font data 255, etc. similarly installed in the flash ROM 25are used. The driver program 253, color table 254 and font data 255,etc., as described above, are the print related information specific toa model of printers, and must be prepared to be applicable to theprinter 1. Among these, despite not being shown in the drawing, aprogram for rendering font, etc. (font renderer) is prepared asnecessary.

[0046] Finally, an initialization program 252 is a part to realize afunction characteristic in the network board 2, which proceeds with aprocess to acquire the print related information such as the driverprogram 253, color table 254, etc. and font data 255 applicable to theprinter 1 where the network board 2 is installed (the version applicableto the printer 1), from a prescribed location on the network 5 (driverdistribution server 8) at a prescribed time such as when the printer 1is turned on.

[0047] The inside of the printer 1, specifically inside of the networkboard 2, is configured as explained above, and hereafter, explained is aprocessing flow for acquiring print related information in accordancewith the initialization program 252. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing anexample of the processing flow.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, firstly, the printer 1 is turned on (FIG. 3,step S1). Upon receipt of the signal thereof, the network board 2confirms the printer 1 model in accordance with the initializationprogram 252 (FIG. 3, step S2). Specifically, the network board 2acquires identification information such as the ID number of the printer1 from the controller 11. Next, the network board 2 confirms a versionof print related information, such as the driver program 253, colortable 254, font data 255 and font renderer for the printer 1 (a model ofthe printer 1) stored in the flash ROM 25 (FIG. 3, step S3).

[0049] Next, the network board 2 accesses the driver distribution server8 on the network 5 which distributes print related information for theprinter 1 via the network transceiving part 21, LAN 3 and network 5(FIG. 3, step S4).

[0050] Here, the network board 2 may be configured to first access thelocation information distribution server 10. In such case, the networkboard 2 sends inquiry information, including identification informationof print related information for the printer 1 to the locationinformation distribution server 10. The location informationdistribution server 10 comprises a database to store the locationinformation of the driver distribution server 8 which prepares printrelated information by corresponding to the identification informationof the print related information, and upon receiving the inquiryinformation from the network board 2, extracts the applicable locationinformation from the database in accordance with the identificationinformation of the print related information in the inquiry information,and sends the location information to the network board 2. Thereby, thenetwork board 2 may access the driver distribution server 8 where theprint related information for the printer 1 is stored in accordance withthe received location information.

[0051] Next, the network board 2 confirms a version of the print relatedinformation for the printer 1 prepared in the driver distribution server8 (FIG. 3, step S5) .

[0052] Next, the network board 2 compares the version of the printrelated information retained on the network board 2 itself which isconfirmed in the step S3 to the version on the server which is confirmedin the step S5 (FIG. 3, step S6).

[0053] As a result of the comparison, if these versions are the same, orthe version retained on the network board 2 itself is newer (FIG. 3,step S7, “No”) the network board 2 does not proceed with any specificprocess as it has already retained the applicable print relatedinformation.

[0054] On the other hand, if the version retained on the network board 2itself is older, and must be replaced with the newer print relatedinformation (FIG. 3, step S7, “Yes”) , the print related informationprepared in the driver distribution server 8 is downloaded, and theolder print related information of the flash ROM 25 is replaced by thedownloaded new print related information (FIG. 3, step S8).

[0055] Thereafter, upon generating print data, the updated version ofthe print related information is used by the time of the next update(FIG. 3, step S9). Moreover, even if the print related informationretained on the network board 2 itself is an old version, it may beconsidered that a replacement is not required in the case of there beinglittle difference between the old version and the version prepared inthe driver distribution server 8, for example, in the case ofperformance improvement only and not in order to correct a malfunction.

[0056] The comparison between the versions of the print relatedinformation, judgement whether or not the version is updated, andupdating may be conducted with respect to each unit, the version ofwhich is managed (e.g. every driver program or color table).

[0057] A processing flow describing with dotted line in FIG. 3 describesan example of another processing feature. In the processing flowdescribing with straight line in FIG. 3, the network board 2 conductsthe comparison between the versions of the print related informationretained on the network board 2 itself and the version of the printrelated information retained on the driver distribution server 8, andjudges whether or not print related information is downloadedthereunder; on the contrary, in this example, the driver distributionserver 8 conducts such comparison and judgement. Accordingly, as shownin FIG. 3, step S5, S6 and S7 are respectively replaced to step S5′, S6′and S7′.

[0058] Specifically, the network board 2, after accessing the driverdistribution server 8 (FIG. 3, step S4), notifies the driverdistribution server 8 (FIG. 3, step S5′) of the version of the printrelated information retained by the network board 2 itself , and thedriver distribution server 8 conducts the comparison (FIG. 3, step S6′),and judges, according to the results of the comparison, whether or notthe print related information of the network board 2 should be replaced(FIG. 3, step S7′) The result of the judgement is sent to the networkboard 2, and thereafter the process is the same as the case in theprocessing flow describing with straight line.

[0059] Furthermore, if the network board 2 does not originally own theprint related information for the printer 1, naturally “Yes” is selectedin the step S7 of FIG. 3, and the version prepared by the driverdistribution server 8 is downloaded and installed.

[0060] Moreover, before accessing the driver distribution server 8 (orlocation information distribution server 10) (FIG. 3, step S4) ordownloading from the driver distribution server 8 (FIG. 3, step S8) , astep that an operator of the printer 1 (or network board 2) judgeswhether or not to proceed, with the following processes may be adopted,which enables an adequate response even in the case where it is notpreferable to connect to the network 5, or it is not desirable to updatethe existing print related information.

[0061] In the example according to FIG. 3, although it is determinedthat the time when the network board 2 acquires the print relatedinformation is the time when the power is tuned on, alternatively, itmay be the time when the printer 1 (network board 2) receives theinstruction of a user. For example, it is the time when the buttonsprovided the printer 1, etc., are touched, or the printer 1 (networkboard 2) receives the instruction thereof from a user via the LAN 3.

[0062] If the location where the driver distribution server 8 forproviding the printer driver, etc. (e.g. an address on the network 5) isinstalled changes, and such change is previously known to the driverdistribution server 8, the information of the future location to beaccessed may be included in the downloaded print related information tobe sent to the network board 2.

[0063] As explained according to FIG. 3, in the printer 1, as thenetwork board 2 itself updates the version of the print relatedinformation such as the driver program 253, etc., there is noinconvenience in this installation and updating operation. Moreover,even if the network board 2 is used in any other printer, as the networkboard 2 itself acquires and installs the print related informationapplicable to the printer, the work of the operator is reduced. As thenetwork board 2 may be broadly utilized in a plurality of the printer 1,the mass production cost of the network board 2 may be reduced.

[0064] (Embodiment 2)

[0065] Next, explained is Embodiment 2 of the present inventionreferring to the drawings.

[0066]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the network according to Embodiment 2of a printer utilizing the present invention. In the drawing, a printer1 is a printer according to the present invention. The printer 1internally comprises a network transceiving part 21, through which theprinter 1 is connected with a LAN 3 and a network 5. The network 5includes the internet as well as the network of a home environment (e.g.network, in which the home gateway is a server, and the printer is aclient)

[0067] Moreover, although only one is shown in the drawing, there exista number of content distribution servers 9 which provide various kindsof content (information resources to be printed) on the network 5.

[0068] Furthermore, a driver distribution server 8 for providing theprinter driver, etc. for the printer 1 is installed. The driverdistribution server 8 is, for example, provided by each printermanufacturer, and prepares print related information for each model ofprinter such as printer driver (e.g. the current printer driver), colorconversion table (color table), font data or font renderer.

[0069] If there exists a plurality of the driver distribution server 8,a location information distribution server 10 may be installed whichcomprises a function to compatibly memorize what print relatedinformation is stored on any of the driver distribution servers 8, andto send location information of the driver distribution server 8 wherethe requested print related information is stored in accordance with therequest from the printer.

[0070] The printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 comprises a function forreceiving print data sent from a host computer 4 such as a personalcomputer connected to the LAN 3, and executing printing in accordancewith the print data.

[0071] Moreover, the printer 1 also comprises a function for acquiringcontent to be printed from the content distribution server 9 by itself,generating print data in accordance with the content, and executingprinting.

[0072] The usage of these functions enables, for example, pursuant tothe instruction from a mobile phone 7 via the network 5, the printer 1to acquire the instructed content instructed by the prescribed contentdistribution server 9 to execute printing, or to receive image data of adigital camera 6 connected to the network 5 to print out in the printer1. Furthermore, it also enables any prescribed information to becollected from a plurality of the content distribution server 9 pursuantto the stored job to be printed out in a prescribed layout everymorning.

[0073] Furthermore, the content include image data, and text data, aswell as intermediate data (e.g. band image data) generated in theprocess of generating print data. For example, if intermediate data issent from the host computer 4, or is acquired from the contentdistribution server 9 as content, the printer 1 may generate print datain accordance with the intermediate data, and execute printing.

[0074] Embodiment 2 ensures the above matters by equipping the printer 1with the function for acquiring information resources or the functionfor generating the print data that had conventionally been performed bythe host computer 4. Accordingly, the printer 1, for generating theprint data, must be comprised of print related information necessary forgenerating print data such as printer driver, color table and font data,etc. which is applicable to the printer 1.

[0075] The printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 which comprises suchconfiguration and function as explained referring to FIG. 8 ischaracterized in that the printer 1 itself acquires the printer driver,etc. for the printer 1 necessary for generating print data from aprescribed location on the network 5 (e.g. driver distribution server 8)at a prescribed time, and thereby, intends to reduce the installation orupdating operation of the printer driver, etc.

[0076]FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an internal configuration of theprinter 1 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in the drawing, theprinter 1 consists of a network transceiving part 21, print datatransferring part 22, CPU 23, RAM 24, flash ROM 25, controller 11 andengine 12, etc.

[0077] The Printer 1, as described above, receives print data via thenetwork such as the LAN 3, or acquires information resources to beprinted to generate print data.

[0078] The controller 11, as in the case of the conventional device,receives print data, proceeds with a binary process thereunder, sendsprint instructions, etc. in synchronization with the engine 12, andcontrols the engine 12. The engine 12 executes the actual printing inaccordance with the print instruction.

[0079] The network transceiving part 21 acts as an interface functionwith the network such as the LAN 3. The print data transferring 22 isthe part where the print data received or generated by the printer 1itself is transferred to the controller 11.

[0080] In the flash ROM 25, various kinds of programs, data or printrelated information to execute the above functions comprised in theprinter 1 are stored, which are utilized in the CPU 23 and RAM 24 toactually proceed with various kinds of processes.

[0081] A content acquisition program 251 is a processing program foracquiring information resources to be printed as instructed from thehost computer 4 or mobile phone 7 via the LAN 3 or the network 5 from aprescribed location (content distribution server 9). As informationresources, for example, information of a format such as TXT (TeXT) ,HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or JPEG (Joint Photographic ExpertsGroup) is considered.

[0082] A driver program 253 is a program to realize a function of theprinter driver. The driver program 253 judges whether the informationreceived in the network transceiving part 21 is the content or printdata. In the case of print data, the print data is directly sent to thecontroller 11, and otherwise, print data to be sent to the controller 11is generated in accordance with the content, upon which the color table254 and font data 255, etc. similarly installed in the flash ROM 25 areused. The driver program 253, a color table 254 and a font data 255,etc., as described above, are the print related information specific toa model of printers, and must be prepared to be applicable to theprinter 1. Among these, despite of not being shown in the drawing, aprogram for rendering font, etc. (font renderer) is prepared asnecessary.

[0083] Finally, an initialization program 252 is a part to realize afunction characteristic in the printer 1, which proceeds with a processto acquire print related information such as the driver program 253,color table 254 and font data 255, etc., applicable to the printer 1(the version applicable to the printer 1) from a prescribed location(driver distribution server 8 ) at a prescribed time such as when theprinter 1 is turned on.

[0084] The inside of the printer 1 is configured as explained above, andhereafter explained is a processing flow for acquiring print relatedinformation in accordance with the initialization program 252. FIG. 10is a drawing showing an example of the processing flow.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 10, when the printer 1 is turned on, first, theinitialization program 252 is started (FIG. 10, step s21). The printer 1confirms a version of print related information such as the driverprogram 253, color table 254, font data 255 and font renderer which areincluded in the flash ROM 25 of the printer 1 (FIG. 10, step S22).

[0086] Next, the printer 1 accesses the driver distribution server 8 onthe network 5 which distributes print related information for theprinter 1 via the network transceiving part 21, LAN 3 and network 5(FIG. 10, step S23)

[0087] Here, the printer 1 may be configured to first access thelocation information distribution server 10. In such case, the printer 1sends inquiry information, including the identification information ofprint related information for the printer 1, to the location informationdistribution server 10. The location information distribution server 10comprises a database to store the location information of the driverdistribution server 8 which prepares print related information bycorresponding to the identification information of the print relatedinformation, and upon receiving the inquiry information from the printer1, extracts the applicable location information from the database inaccordance with the identification information of the print relatedinformation in the inquiry information, and sends the locationinformation to the printer 1. Thereby, the printer 1 may access thedriver distribution server 8 where the print related information for theprinter 1 is stored in accordance with the received locationinformation.

[0088] Next, the printer 1 confirms a version of print relatedinformation for the printer 1 prepared in the driver distribution server8 (FIG. 10, step S24)

[0089] Next, the printer 1 compares the version of print relatedinformation retained on the printer 1 itself which is confirmed in thestep S22 to the version on the server which is confirmed in the step S24(FIG. 10, step S25).

[0090] As a result of the comparison, if these versions are the same, orthe version retained by the printer 1 itself is newer (FIG. 10, StepS26, “No”), the printer 1 does not proceed with any specific process asit already retains the applicable print related information.

[0091] On the other hand, if the version retained on the printer 1itself is older, and must be replaced with the newer print relatedinformation (FIG. 10, step S26, “Yes”), the print related informationprepared in the driver distribution server 8 is downloaded, and theolder print related information of the flash ROM 25 is replaced by thedownloaded new print related information (FIG. 10, step S27).

[0092] Thereafter, upon generating print data, the updated version ofthe print related information is used by the time of the next update(FIG. 10, step S28). Moreover, even if the print related informationretained on the printer 1 itself is an old version, it may be consideredthat it is not required to be replaced in the case in which there islittle difference between the old version and the version prepared inthe driver distribution server 8, for example, in the case ofperformance improvement only and not in order to correct a malfunction.

[0093] The comparison between the versions of the print relatedinformation, judgement whether or not the version is updated, andupdating may be conducted with respect to each unit, the version ofwhich is managed(e.g. every driver program or color table).

[0094] A processing flow describing with dotted line in FIG. 10describes an example of another processing feature. In the processingflow describing with straight line in FIG. 10, the printer 1 comparesthe versions between the print related information retained on theprinter 1 itself and the print related information retained on thedriver distribution server 8, and judges whether or not the printrelated information is downloaded thereunder; on the contrary, in thisexample, the driver distribution server 8 undertakes such comparison andjudgement. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, steps S24, S25 and S26 arerespectively replaced to steps S24′, S25′ and S26′.

[0095] Specifically, the printer 1, after accessing the driverdistribution server 8 (FIG. 10, step S23), notifies the driverdistribution server 8 of the version of the print related informationretained on the printer 1 itself (FIG. 10, S24′), and the driverdistribution server 8 undertakes the comparison (FIG. 10, step S25′) ,and judges, according to the results of the comparison, whether or notthe print related information of the printer 1 should be replaced (FIG.10, step S26′) . The result of the judgement is sent to the printer 1,and thereafter the process is the same as the case in the processingflow describing with straight line.

[0096] Moreover, before accessing the driver distribution server 8 (orlocation information distribution server 10) (FIG. 10, step S23) ordownloading from the driver distribution server 8 (FIG. 10, step S27), astep that an operator of the printer 1 judges whether or not it proceedswith the following process may be adopted, which enables an adequateresponse even in the case where it is not preferable to connect to thenetwork 5, or it is not desirable to update the existing print relatedinformation.

[0097] In the example according to FIG. 10, although it is determinedthat the time the printer 1 acquires the print related information isthe time when the power is turned on, alternatively, it may be the timewhen the printer 1 receives the instruction of a user of the printer 1.Specifically, it is the time when the printer 1 is activated by thebuttons provided in the printer 1, etc., or receives the instructionthereof from a user via the LAN 3.

[0098] If the location where the driver distribution server 8 forproviding the printer driver, etc. (e.g. an address on the network 5) isinstalled changes, and such change is previously known to the driverdistribution server 8, the information of the future location to beaccessed may be included to the downloaded print related information tobe sent to the printer 1.

[0099] As explained according to FIG. 10, in the printer 1, the printer1 itself updates the version of the print related information such asthe driver program 253, etc., so that there is no inconvenience in thisinstallation and updating operation.

[0100] (Modified Example)

[0101] As the font data 255 stored in the flash ROM 25 of the networkboard 2 (or the printer 1) generally has a large volume of data, it isnot preferable to prepare, at any time, the current font data 255 andfont renderer for all fonts considering the recording capacity or theprocessing speed according to the initialization program 252.

[0102] The same applies to the other print related information, and itmay not be preferable to prepare, at any time, all of the print relatedinformation considering the recording capacity, etc.

[0103] Accordingly, in the network board 2 (or the printer 1), the printrelated information which is always required to generate the print data(dependent on the model of the printer), is highly versatile, or isfrequently used, should preferably be installed. On the contrary,concerning the print related information which is specific to certaininformation resources, is low in versatility, or is infrequently used,it is desirable that it is installed or updated to the current versionas necessary.

[0104] In the modified example, the print related information isclassified to be managed according to the installation (acquirement)priority. Specifically, the print related information which is,dependent on a model of printers (e.g. printer driver or colorconversion table, etc.), versatile, or frequently used (e.g. basic fontdata or font renderer, etc.) is classified into a high-priorityinstallation group (hereinafter referred to as “resident group”), andthe print related information which is specific to certain information,is not versatile, or is infrequently used (e.g. special font data orfont renderer, etc.) is classified into a low-priority installationgroup (hereinafter referred to as “transient group”). This modifiedexample is configured to improve the memory efficiency or processingspeed by varying the time to acquire print related information, thejudgement whether or not print related information should be acquired,or the area to be stored, in each group.

[0105]FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of theprinter 1 according to the modified example. FIG. 11 is a drawingshowing the internal configuration of the printer 1 according to themodified example in case that the printer 1 itself comprises thefunctional configuration of the network device.

[0106] As shown in the drawing, in the modified example, in addition tothe configuration of the embodiments, the transient informationacquisition program 256 and the transient information deletion program257 are stored in the flash ROM 25. Explained below is the operation andconfiguration which is different from the embodiments.

[0107] The initialization program 252, in principle, conducts the sameprocess as the processing flow in FIG. 3 (or FIG. 10) However, theinitialization program 252 is considered to make an acquisition,judgement or to update only with regard to the print related informationclassified in the resident group.

[0108] The transient information acquisition program 256 is a program tomake acquisition, judgement or update with regard to the print relatedinformation classified in the transient group.

[0109] Hereafter, explained is a processing flow conducted according tothe transient information acquisition program. FIG. 6 is a drawingshowing the processing flow. In the processing flow, as an example ofthe print related information classified in the transient group, theformat interpreter program and font data are described.

[0110] The transient information acquisition program 256 activates whenthe content acquisition program 251 acquires the information resourcesto be printed.

[0111] Firstly, the network device 2 (or printer 1) extracts the formattype of the information resources and the font type used in the acquiredinformation resources in accordance with header information of them(FIG. 6, step S10).

[0112] Next, the network device 2 (or printer 1) judges whether or notthe format interpreter program corresponding to the extracted formattype and the font data corresponding to the extracted the font type areinstalled in the printer 1 (FIG. 6, step S11).

[0113] If it is judged that they are installed, the process isterminated. Consecutively, the driver program 253 activates to generateprint data in accordance with the acquired information resources.

[0114] On the contrary, if it is judged that any of them are notinstalled (FIG. 6, step S11 “Yes”), the printer 1 accesses the locationinformation distribution server 10 via the network transceiving part 21,LAN 3 and network 5, and makes an inquiry of the location of theapplicable driver distribution server (FIG. 6, step S12). In case thelocation information is known, the printer 1 may directly access thedriver distribution sever 8 on the network 5 where the non-installedformat interpreter program or/and font data are distributed.

[0115] The location information distribution server 10 searches thedatabase in response to the inquiry, and sends to the printer 1 thelocation information of the research result as response information. Asa result of the research, if the location information is not found (ifthe applicable location is not registered in the database), the responseinformation indicating that the location is unknown will be sent to theprinter 1.

[0116] The printer 1 judges whether or not the response informationreceived from the location information distribution server 10 indicatesthat the location is unknown (FIG. 6, step S13), and in case that thelocation is unknown, the format interpreter program or font data alreadyinstalled in the printer 1 is set up as a substitute program orsubstitute font data.

[0117] On the contrary, if the response information received from thelocation information distribution server 10 indicates the location (FIG.6, step S12 “No”), the printer 1 accesses the driver distribution server8 of the location, the non-installed format interpreter program or/andfont data are downloaded to be installed in the printer 1, and theprocess terminates (FIG. 6, step S14)

[0118] Next, explained is a transient information deletion program 257.The transient information deletion program 257 is a program whichdeletes the print related information classified in the transient group.

[0119] The transient information deletion program, for example,activates in the print completion stage. However, as the activating timeis changeable depending on the design, the transient informationdeletion program 257 may be configured to activate in the stage ofcompletion of generating the print data, or transferring the print datato the controller 11.

[0120] Specifically, the network device 2 (or printer 1) judges whetheror not the print related information of the transient group is used togenerate the print data, which are completed to be printed. If it isjudged that the print related information of the transient group is notbe used, the process terminates. On the contrary, if it is judged thatthe print related information of the transient group is used, it isuninstalled (deleted) from the network device 2 (or printer 1).

[0121] The configuration of such transient information acquisitionprogram 256 and transient management program 257 enables control of theprint related information classified in the transient group to beacquired only as necessary, and installed in the network device 2 (orprinter 1) only for as long as necessary. As a result, the memoryefficiency or processing speed of the network device 2 (or printer 1)may be improved.

[0122] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the transient informationdeletion program 257 is configured to periodically activate. In suchcase, it is desirable that the area where the printer relatedinformation is stored among the memory areas of the flash ROM 25 iscategorized to be managed in at least two areas; of a memory area Xwhere the information of the resident group is stored, and a memory areaY where the information of the transient group is stored. The transientinformation deletion program 257 regularly checks the activity ratio ofthe memory area Y, and in case the activity ratio is more than a certainratio (e.g. more than 90%) , concerning all print related informationstored in the memory area Y, extracts the installation time or date orthe frequency of use, etc., and uninstalls, for example, in the order ofinstallation or frequency from lowest to highest.

[0123] As explained above, as the network device (or printer) accordingto the embodiments acquires for itself the program or data necessary forgenerating print data from a prescribed location on the network at theprescribed time, it eliminates the inconvenience of installation orupdating the operation of the program or data. Moreover, in the modifiedembodiment, the font data and font renderer, etc. are managed as theprint related information of the transient group, and the print relatedinformation of the transient group is acquired and installed whenrequired, just during the required period, and only for the requiredpart, so that it is capable of decreasing the recording capacity andincreasing the speed of the process conducted at the prescribed time.

[0124] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but maybe diversely modified for various uses. For example, the informationresources received from outside are not limited to the information to beprinted itself, but may include the location information such as thecontent distribution server, etc. where the information to be printed isstored. In such case, the network board of the present invention willspecify a content distribution server, etc. to be accessed according tothe information resources received outside the network, and furtheracquire the content (information resources) from the contentdistribution server to generate print data in accordance with thecontent.

[0125] The scope of the protection of the present invention is notlimited to the embodiments, but covers the invention and equivalentthereof described in the claims.

[0126] As described above, according to the present invention, since thenetwork board (or printer) itself appropriately acquires the printrelated information, it can facilitate the installation or updateoperation thereof, so that there is no inconvenience for the operator ofthe printer or host computer. Furthermore, the network board comprisingsuch function is applicable to different models of the printers, and maybecome a network board which is more applicable for general purposes.

[0127] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Applications No.2000-350818 filed on Nov. 17th, 2000, No. 2001-319926 filed on Oct.17th, 2001 and No. 2001-319927 filed on Oct. 17th, 2001, includingspecifications, claims, drawings and summaries are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

We claim:
 1. A network device for generating print data in accordancewith information resources received from outside, and sending said printdata to a printer, characterized in that print related informationnecessary for generating said print data is appropriately acquired froma prescribed location on the network at a prescribed time; and saidprint data is generated by using said acquired print relatedinformation, and sent to said printer.
 2. A network device according toclaim 1, characterized in that said information resources areappropriately acquired from a prescribed location on the network.
 3. Anetwork device according to claim 1, characterized in that saidinformation resources are either image data, text data, or intermediatedata generated in the process of generating print data.
 4. A networkdevice according to claim 1, characterized in that said prescribed timeis either when said printer is tuned on, upon receipt of instructionsfrom a user, or upon receipt of said information resources.
 5. A networkdevice according to claim 1, characterized in that said print relatedinformation comprises at least either a color conversion table, printerdriver program, font data or font renderer program.
 6. A network deviceaccording to claim 1, characterized in that said print relatedinformation is classified under at least two groups in accordance withthe priority of acquisition thereof.
 7. A network device according toclaim 6, characterized in that the print related information classifiedunder a high-priority installation group comprises at least either acolor conversion table, printer driver program, basic font data or basicfont renderer program.
 8. A network device according to claim 6,characterized in that the print related information classified under alow-priority installation group comprises at least either a program forinterpreting a format of said information resources to be received, fontdata of the font which is included in said information resources or thefont renderer program of said font.
 9. A network device according toclaim 6, characterized in that said network device, concerning a memoryarea for storing print related information, classifies and manages thestorage area for each of said groups.
 10. A network device according toclaim 6, characterized in that said network device, concerning printrelated information under a low-priority installation group,appropriately deletes the print related information at a prescribedtime.
 11. A network device according to claim 1, characterized in thatsaid network device, upon acquiring print related information, accessesa server providing location information of the print relatedinformation, and inquires for the location information on the network ofthe print related information.
 12. A network device according to claim1, characterized in that said print related information is acquired incase that said print related information which has already beencontained in said network device is judged to be different from saidprint related information which has been contained in a prescribedlocation on said network.
 13. A network device according to claim 1,characterized in that said print related information is acquired in casethat said print related information which has already been contained insaid network device is judged to be required to be replaced with saidprint related information which has been contained in a prescribedlocation on said network.
 14. A network device according to claim 12,characterized in that said network device makes said judgement byitself.
 15. A network device according to claim 13, characterized inthat said network device makes said judgement by itself.
 16. A networkdevice according to claim 12, characterized in that said judgement ismade at a prescribed location on said network.
 17. A network deviceaccording to claim 13, characterized in that said judgement is made at aprescribed location on said network.
 18. A network device according toclaim 1, characterized in that the print related information acquiredfrom a prescribed location on said network is retained in said networkdevice, and said print related information is held to be available untilit is deleted.
 19. A network device according to claim 1, characterizedin that if, upon acquiring said print related information from aprescribed location on said network, said network device comprisespreceding print related information corresponding to said print relatedinformation which is acquired, said preceding print related informationis deleted.
 20. A network device according to claim 1, characterized inthat the print related information which is acquired from a prescribedlocation on said network contains information concerning a prescribedlocation on said network to be accessed upon the next acquisition ofsaid print related information.
 21. A printer for generating print datain accordance with the information resources received from outside, andexecuting the printing, characterized in that the print relatedinformation necessary for generating said print data is appropriatelyacquired from a prescribed location on the network at a prescribed time;and said print data is generated. and printed by using said acquiredprint related information.
 22. A printer according to claim 21,characterized in that said prescribed time is either when said printeris turned on, upon receipt of instruction from a user, or upon receiptof said information resources.
 23. A printer according to claim 21,characterized in that said print related information contains at leasteither a color conversion table, printer driver program, font data orfont renderer program.
 24. A printer according to claim 21,characterized in that said printer, upon acquiring print relatedinformation, accesses a server for providing location information ofprint related information, and inquires for location information on thenetwork of the print related information.
 25. A printer according toclaim 21, characterized in that said print related information isacquired in case that said print related information which has alreadybeen contained in said printer is judged to be different from said printrelated information which has been contained in a prescribed location onsaid network.
 26. A printer according to claim 21, characterized in thatsaid print related information necessary for generating said print datais acquired in case that said print related information which hasalready been contained in said printer is judged to be required to bereplaced with said print related information which has been contained ina prescribed location on said network.
 27. A printer according to claim25, characterized in that said printer makes said judgement by itself.28. A printer according to claim 26, characterized in that said printermakes said judgement by itself.
 29. A printer according to claim 25,characterized in that said judgement is made at a prescribed location onsaid network.
 30. A printer according to claim 26, characterized in thatsaid judgement is made at a prescribed location on said network.
 31. Aprinter according to claim 21, characterized in that print relatedinformation acquired from a prescribed location on said network isretained in said printer, and said print related information is held tobe available until it is deleted.
 32. A printer according to claim 21,characterized in that if, upon acquiring said print related informationfrom a prescribed location on said network, said printer comprisespreceding print related information corresponding to said acquired printrelated information which is acquired, said preceding print relatedinformation is deleted.
 33. A printer according to claim 21,characterized in that print related information which is acquired from aprescribed location on said network contains information concerning aprescribed location on said network to be accessed upon the nextacquisition of said print related information.
 34. An informationprocessing method of a network device for generating print data inaccordance with information resources received from outside, and sendingsaid print data to a printer, and including; a step for judging whetheror not said print related information should be acquired at a prescribedtime, a step for appropriately acquiring said print related informationfrom a prescribed location on the network upon judging it should beacquired; and a step for generating said print data by using said printrelated information to be acquired, and sending said print data to saidprinter.
 35. A program for executing in a computer an informationprocessing method according to claim
 34. 36. A location informationdistribution server comprising a database for storing locationinformation on the network concerning print related information which isused to generate the print data, and characterized in that upon inquiryof location information of print related information, the correspondinglocation information is extracted in reference to said database, andsent.